MARION L. RADFORD

PIKEVILLE -- Marion "Mert" L. Radford, 89, of 583 Bertie Pierce Road was called home to be with his lord and savior in Heaven on July 17, 2008. He was born in Kenly, N.C. on Sept. 20, 1918. He was one of 14 children born to Sidney and Nora Radford. He was preceded in death by his wife, Willia Godwin Radford, daughter Phyllis Radford, and grandson Jacob Radford.

Marion retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va., with 35 years of government service. After his retirement, he and his wife returned to Pikeville where he completed 15 years of service with Goldsboro Builders. Marion attended Pikes Crossroads Pentecostal Holiness Church where his love and faith in Christ grew strong. His favorite Bible verse was Hebrews 13:5, a verse that gives comfort to all men.

Marion is survived by fours sons, Kenneth Radford of Charlotte, N.C., Michael and wife, Lee, of Clayton, N.C., Philip and wife, Vickie, of Chesapeake, Va., and Ronald and wife, Gena of Lumberton, N.C. He was blessed with seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Marion was a beloved father and grandfather, lovingly known as "Pop" to most who knew him. If you were lucky enough to have known Pop, then you knew he was a modest man who was widely respected for his principles, faith and love for his family.

Several years after the passing of his wife, Pop was blessed with Velma Gay, a very special friend for 17 years.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Pop's caretakers, Gladys Walker, Linda Jernigen, Karen F. Radford, and friend, Don Nobers. The family would also like to thank all the wonderful people of 3HC Hospice for their loving care and support of our Pop. God bless you all.

Visitation with the family will be held Monday, July 21, 2008 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home in Goldsboro, N.C. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at Pikes Crossroads Pentecostal Holiness Church in Pikeville, N.C. followed by the burial at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.